Roura warns Barcelona must 'turn the page' on Milan defeat

The Blaugrana coach believes his side will bounce back swiftly from their Champions League disappointment, and described Eric Abidal's return to fitness as "important"

Jordi Roura has called on his Barcelona side to move on from their defeat to AC Milan, and insists the team still deserve "credit, trust and respect".

The Blaugrana were beaten 2-0 by the Serie A side in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, with the side widely criticised for their lacklustre display at San Siro.

However, Tito Vilanova's replacement while he recovers from cancer treatment insists that the team have earned respect following their accomplishments in recent seasons, and believes they will bounce back swiftly from this disappointment.

"We must turn the page after San Siro," Roura told reporters at a press conference. "Xavi said we did not know how to compete, but I think it was because we lacked a little more confidence. We will talk of Milan ahead of the return leg.

"It is normal the players are angry and sad, because the result is not favourable and they know it. They have been self-critical, which is logical and normal. We have lost matches before and we will lose again before the end of the season, but what makes the difference is the reaction that comes after. I'm convinced that we will return at a good level.

"I've always said we must differentiate between competitions, now we have the league and for us this is simple. It's a very important game for us to recover our senses.

"If right now there is a team that deserves credit, trust and respect, it is this one.

"I always think the players play to their limit, with a maximum intensity, and we have shown this not just this year, but for a long time. Saturday will be no exception."

Barcelona face Sevilla on Saturday evening, and Roura has called on the club's supporters to back his side in what could be a tough encounter.

"[Unai] Emery has made the team into a very competitive package," he added. "I don't know if they will try to imitate Milan, but that will be their decision.

"For us, it is essential that the fans come to the game to support us, particularly in these types of games. I ask everyone to come to the game, because it will be important."

Although Roura admits that Vilanova's absence is affecting the team, he was delighted to welcome back Eric Abidal and David Villa to the squad.

"We always notice Tito's absence. We just try to minimise it," he added.

"Abidal's recovery is good for him and for the club, but on a sporting level, we have regained a very important player for our squad. The process will be longer, because this is not a common injury. We will decide based on how he progesses physically.

"Villa didn't travel with us in order to regain his fitness, he is feeling very good. He will be with us, and we will have another option for the team."